Spindletop and the Oil Industry

Students first take a poll of items that they think are made from petrochemicals. Then they watch a video and read about the discovery of oil at Spindletop. Next they explain how the oil and gas industry contributed to the industrialization of Texas. Finally they examine three renewable energy sources being developed in Texas.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for Spindletop and the Oil Industry:

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Overview

In this experience, students first take a poll of items that they think are made from petrochemicals. Then they watch a video and read about the discovery of oil at Spindletop. Next they explain how the oil and gas industry contributed to the industrialization of Texas. Finally they examine three renewable energy sources being developed in Texas.

If you have access to leveled readers about the discovery of oil or work in the oil and gas industry, assign them to the students in parallel to this experience.

Estimated duration: 45-55 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • amateur
  • drill
  • gusher
  • investor
  • assembly
  • synthetic
  • transmission
  • extraction
  • alternative
  • innovation

Objectives

  • Explain the significance of the discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901.
  • Describe some of the earliest uses for oil.
  • Explain how the oil industry contributed to the industrialization of Texas.


Engage


On January 10, 1901, Anthony Lucas was drilling at Spindletop near Beaumont when he struck oil. Oil shot high into the air from the well. This discovery helped transform the Texas economy by making oil and gas one of the state's most important industries. In this lesson, you will learn about Spindletop and the oil and gas industry in Texas.

Objectives

  • Explain the significance of the discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901.
  • Describe some of the earliest uses for oil.
  • Explain how the oil industry contributed to the industrialization of Texas.


photo of the Lucas Gusher at Spindletop; a group of men watch the oil spewing sky high

Lucas Gusher at Spindletop


Petrochemicals are chemicals made from oil and natural gas. Since the Spindletop oil discovery in 1901, Texas has become a major center for the petrochemical industry.


Which of the following items do you think are made from petrochemicals?

A) plastics
B) nail polish
C) ink
D) football helmets
E) transparent tape
F) synthetic yarn

The Student Pack contains a link to a much longer list of petrochemical products.

Ask students if they are surprised by any of the items on the list. Petrochemicals are a basic resource for many synthetic materials.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Modern Texas Unit.

Urban Growth

Texas and the Aerospace Industry

Spindletop and the Oil Industry

The Great Depression

Texas During World War II

Modern Texas: Vocabulary

The Dust Bowl in Texas

Changing Demographics in Texas
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